Shrewsbury man charged with assaulting mother

Friday

Jan 4, 2013 at 5:00 PMJan 4, 2013 at 9:06 PM

A Shrewsbury man charged with what a prosecutor described as the “vicious” beating of his 83-year-old mother was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail at his arraignment Friday in Worcester Superior Court.

Sean Connolly, 44, of 30 Cross St., Shrewsbury, pleaded not guilty to charges of armed assault with intent to murder a victim 60 or older, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) on a victim 60 or older and aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Mr. Connolly allegedly beat his mother into unconsciousness Nov. 26 in the home they shared. Police said Mr. Connolly's mother, Paula Connolly, suffered severe head trauma and her eyes were swollen shut when officers arrived at the home in response to Mr. Connolly's 911 call. She also had a large cut on her hand consistent with having been inflicted by a knife, according to authorities.

Investigators said Mr. Connolly related during the 911 call that he had awoken to find his mother brutally beaten.

Assistant District Attorney Michael D. McHugh, who requested the $100,000 cash bail that was set, told Judge James R. Lemire that Mrs. Connolly believed she had been beaten because she tried to hide a soda bottle containing what she thought was alcohol.

He said family members told authorities that Mr. Connolly had experienced problems with alcohol and drugs and that his mother did not allow alcohol in their house.

Mr. McHugh said Mr. Connolly had two drunken driving convictions and a drug conviction on his record, which also included defaults.

Mr. Connolly had been ordered held without bail when his case was pending in Westboro District Court. He was indicted Dec. 20, moving the case to Worcester Superior Court.

Mr. McHugh said Mrs. Connolly, who also suffered a fractured nose and four fractured ribs, was in “grave” condition at the time of Mr. Connolly's initial court appearance, but had since been released from the hospital and was recovering from her injuries.

At the request of Mr. Connolly's lawyer, Leonardo Angiulo, Judge Lemire set the $100,000 cash bail without prejudice, which will enable Mr. Connolly to seek a bail hearing at a later date.